Move over, Le French May, it’s time for Bellissima Italia – a festival of Italian culture and lifestyle launching in October that features nearly 30 events.

“We aim at spreading the awareness of the Italian lifestyle, not only to the more sophisticated people, who have already a clear idea about that, but also to the common people, who cannot afford luxurious items, food, wines or artistic performances,” said Antonello de Riu, Italy’s consul general in Hong Kong and Macau.

So while Opera Hong Kong’s new production of  Giuseppe Verdi’s Tosca at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre will mark the launch of Bellissima Italia, many of the other events will be free.

 The festival will feature stage performances, exhibitions, film screenings, and  fashion, food and wine, and design events. Highlights include a cross-media performance by Hong Kong-based musician Sascia Pellegrini at Youth Square; a concert for baritone, piano and accordion inspired by works of Dante at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre; a Damiani jewellery exhibition at Landmark; and a tasting event organised by Gambero Rosso for wine connoisseurs to be held at the Harbour Grand hotel in Oil Street, Fortress Hill.

“For Italian people, being successful is not synonymous with money making, but living better, to enjoy la dolce vita,” said de Riu of the event, which has been organised by the Italian consulate, the Italian Cultural Institute, the Italian Trade Commission and the Italian Chamber of Commerce.